She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer. And in turn she explained the riddle to her people. She wept the whole seven days of the feastIn ancient Israel, wedding feasts typically lasted seven days, a time of celebration and joy. However, Samson's wife weeping throughout the feast indicates a significant disruption to the expected festivities. Her persistent weeping reflects the cultural and emotional pressure she faced, possibly from her Philistine kin, to extract the answer to Samson's riddle. This act of weeping can be seen as a form of manipulation, a tactic used to wear down Samson's resolve. The number seven is often symbolic in the Bible, representing completeness or perfection, which contrasts with the imperfect and deceitful nature of the events unfolding. and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer And in turn she explained the riddle to her people Persons / Places / Events 1. SamsonA judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God. He was a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and his life was marked by a series of conflicts with the Philistines. 2. Delilah Although not directly mentioned in Judges 14:17, she is a significant figure in Samson's life. In this chapter, Samson's wife, who is unnamed, foreshadows Delilah's later betrayal. 3. Philistines A group of people who were enemies of Israel during the time of the judges. They were often in conflict with Samson, who was raised up by God to begin delivering Israel from their oppression. 4. Timnah A Philistine town where Samson went to find a wife, which led to a series of events that increased tensions between him and the Philistines. 5. The Feast A seven-day wedding feast, a customary celebration during which Samson posed a riddle to the Philistine guests, leading to the events of Judges 14:17. Teaching Points The Consequences of Unequally Yoked RelationshipsSamson's choice to marry a Philistine woman led to betrayal and conflict. Believers are encouraged to seek relationships that honor God and align with their faith. The Power of Persistence Samson's wife wept and pressed him for seven days until he revealed the answer to his riddle. This persistence, though used negatively here, can remind us of the importance of perseverance in prayer and faith. Guarding One's Heart Samson's vulnerability to emotional manipulation serves as a warning to guard our hearts and be discerning in our relationships. The Danger of Compromise Samson's willingness to reveal his secret under pressure shows the danger of compromising one's values and commitments. God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Failure Despite Samson's personal failures, God used the situation to fulfill His purposes against the Philistines, reminding us that God's plans prevail even when we falter. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Samson's relationship with his Philistine wife reflect the challenges of being unequally yoked, and what can we learn from this about choosing relationships wisely?2. In what ways does the persistence of Samson's wife in seeking the answer to the riddle parallel the persistence we should have in our spiritual lives? 3. How can we apply the lesson of guarding our hearts from Judges 14:17 to our daily interactions and relationships? 4. What are some modern-day examples of compromise that Christians might face, and how can we stand firm in our convictions? 5. How does the account of Samson in Judges 14:17 demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this encourage us when we face personal failures? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 16The account of Delilah and Samson's ultimate betrayal, which parallels the betrayal by his wife in Judges 14:17. Proverbs 7 Offers wisdom on the dangers of succumbing to seduction and betrayal, similar to Samson's experiences. Matthew 26 The betrayal of Jesus by Judas, which can be compared to the betrayal Samson experienced, highlighting themes of trust and betrayal.
People Samson, TimnahPlaces Ashkelon, TimnahTopics Banquet, Continued, Countrymen, Declareth, Distressed, Explained, Feast, Finally, However, Lasted, Lay, Pass, Peace, Press, Pressed, Riddle, Seven, Seventh, Sons, Sore, Turn, Urged, Weepeth, Weeping, WeptDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 14:17Library Introductory Remarks. We present here, by way of an Appendix to our argument for the Divinity of Christ, a collection of the more remarkable testimonies of unbelievers to the character of Christ, arranged in chronological order, and accompanied with explanatory notes. Dr. Nathaniel Lardner (born in 1684, died in 1768), although a Socinian, or Unitarian, in his views on Christ's person, did excellent service to the cause of revealed religion against the Deism of his day by his truly learned and valuable work on the "Credibility … Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ Whether the Temptation of God Consists in Certain Deeds, Wherein the Expected Result is Ascribed to the Power of God Alone? The Exile --Continued. The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. Judges Links Judges 14:17 NIVJudges 14:17 NLT Judges 14:17 ESV Judges 14:17 NASB Judges 14:17 KJV Judges 14:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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